Nicotine Induces Prediabetes, Likely Contributes to High Prevalence of Heart Disease in Smokers

EurekAlert -- Researchers have discovered a reason why smoking greatly increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. Nicotine promotes insulin resistance, also called prediabetes, which is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, according to the new study, which was presented at The Endocrine Society’s 91st Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C.